Limit registration of diesel vehicles in Delhi: SC panel

Alarmed at the rising pollution levels and the recent smog that had engulfed the city, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) plans to ask the Delhi government to put a cap on the number of diesel vehicles in the city.

Authority chairman Bhure Lal said he would write a letter to the Delhi government to voice his concerns.

"The registration of diesel vehicles has seen a huge increase from 2000 when it was four per cent to 60% in 2012. With a number of sops being offered for diesel cars, more and more people are buying them. This is adding to the city's pollution levels and putting a cap is the first step in curbing the disturbing trend," said Bhure Lal, chairman of the authority.

Bhure Lal said if the Delhi government failed to implement the suggestion, the pollution authority will go to the Supreme Court.

"A cap on diesel vehicles is essential keeping in mind the emission that is choking the capital's air. Increasing tax on diesel-run vehicles at the time of registration should be considered. This is the only way we can discourage people from using diesel vehicles," added Lal.

To ensure people do not end up buying vehicles from the National Capital Region (NCR) once the cap is enforced in Delhi, the EPCA will take up the matter with the central government as well.

With pressure from environmentalists mounting, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had said the Delhi government was examining a proposal to levy a fine of R2,000 on polluting vehicles in the city.